"Art is not limited to a particular form, and I have an aversion to convention and set styles. Different mediums are not an impediment for me; I can use them all. I am more interested in the development of the artwork itself."

— Zhao Zhao

Zhao Zhao’s Constellations series could be viewed an exploration of the beauty of violence, and the interplay between destruction and creation. Born in 1982 in Xinjiang, China, Zhao Zhao has emerged as one of the most audacious and thought-provoking artists of this generation. The Constellations series, which began in 2014, significantly shows his ability to transform violent acts into serene and celestial compositions, creating a dialogue between chaos and tranquillity.

The series originated from Zhao Zhao’s fascination with the effects of violent impact, a theme he first explored in his other series, Fragments. This interest was sparked by a car accident in which his head shattered a windshield, leaving him captivated by the intricate patterns of broken glass. Over the following years, Zhao Zhao experimented with various materials, meticulously studying the point at which glass cracks but does not shatter. This led to the creation of the Constellations series, where bullet holes and fractures are transformed into radiant, star-like patterns.

In the present lot, Zhao Zhao uses a restrained palette of Prussian blue and titanium white to depict the aftermath of gunfire. The fractures, rendered with meticulous brushstrokes, radiate outward like galaxies, creating a sense of infinite expansion. The contrast between the violent origins of the cracks and their serene, almost meditative depiction is central to the work’s power. Zhao Zhao’s technique captures the tension between destruction and creation, evoking a sense of foreboding while simultaneously celebrating the beauty of the cosmos. The interplay of soft brushstrokes and the harsh reality of bullet impacts creates a dynamic tension, drawing viewers into a space where violence and tranquillity coexist.

The Constellations series marks a shift in Zhao Zhao’s practice, moving away from the performative and ironic elements of his earlier work towards a more contemplative and painterly style. By reducing his compositions to clean, sharp lines, he transforms the fractures into maps of the night sky, inviting viewers to reflect on the duality of violence and beauty. The series also reflects Zhao Zhao’s broader interest in the relationship between reality and illusion, as seen in his use of light and texture to evoke the quality of celestial objects.

Represented by Tang Contemporary Art, Zhao Zhao is regarded a significant figure among the young Post-80s generation of contemporary Chinese artists. He has exhibited widely, recent shows include Sky Constellations, Tang Contemporary Art, Hong Kong, 2024; The answer is in the wind / A long day, Tang Contemporary Art, Beijing, 2023; A Long Day, Macao Museum of Art, Macau, 2022; Parallel Affinity, Tang Contemporary Art, Seoul, 2022.